U.S. patent application number 13/019825 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-11 for electronic device and a method for providing a graphical user interface (gui) for broadcast information.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Na Young CHOI, Dong Jin KIM, Sung Soo KIM, Jae Kyung LEE, Joo Young LIM.
Application Number | 20110193879 13/019825 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43971417 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110193879 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Sung Soo ; et
al. |
August 11, 2011 |
ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GRAPHICAL USER
INTERFACE (GUI) FOR BROADCAST INFORMATION
Abstract
An electronic device and a method for providing a Graphical User
Interface (GUI) are disclosed. The electronic device includes a
formatter configured to output a first signal for displaying an
image data of a first broadcast content to a display, a controller
configured to detect a first request for providing broadcast
information, form a first set of pixel data for displaying a GUI
providing the broadcast information in response to detecting the
first request, and form a second set of pixel data and a third set
of pixel data using the first set of pixel data, and a mixer
configured to mix the image data with the second set of pixel data
and the third set of pixel data.
Inventors: |
KIM; Sung Soo;
(Pyeongtaek-si, KR) ; LEE; Jae Kyung;
(Pyeongtaek-si, KR) ; CHOI; Na Young;
(Pyeongtaek-si, KR) ; LIM; Joo Young;
(Pyeongtaek-si, KR) ; KIM; Dong Jin;
(Pyeongtaek-si, KR) |
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
43971417 |
Appl. No.: |
13/019825 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/634 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 13/361 20180501;
H04N 21/482 20130101; H04N 13/183 20180501; H04N 13/261 20180501;
H04N 13/293 20180501; H04N 21/4858 20130101; H04N 13/156 20180501;
H04N 5/445 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/634 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/377 20060101
G09G005/377 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 5, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0011236 |
Claims
1. A method for providing a Graphical User Interface, comprising:
outputting a first signal for displaying an image data of a first
broadcast content to a display; detecting a first request for
providing broadcast information; forming a first set of pixel data
for displaying a Graphical User interface (GUI) providing the
broadcast information in response to detecting the first request;
forming a second set of pixel data and a third set of pixel data
using the first set of pixel data, wherein one of the second set of
pixel data and the third set of pixel data is linearly scaled and
the other is nonlinearly scaled; mixing the image data with the
second set of pixel data and the third set of pixel data; and
outputting a second signal for displaying the mixed image data to
the display.
2. The method of the claim 1, further comprising: detecting a
second request for displaying a second broadcast content on the
GUI; receiving the second broadcast content in response to
detecting the second request; forming a fourth set of pixel data
and a fifth set of pixel data using an image data of the received
second broadcast content, wherein one of the fourth set of pixel
data and the fifth set of pixel data is linearly scaled and the
other is nonlinearly scaled; mixing the mixed image data with the
fourth set of pixel data and the fifth set of pixel data; and
outputting a third signal for displaying the mixed image data to
the display.
3. The method of the claim 2, further comprising: detecting a third
request for providing information about the second broadcast
content; forming a sixth set of pixel data for displaying a GUI
providing the information in response to detecting the third
request; forming a seventh set of pixel data and a eighth set of
pixel data using the sixth set of pixel data, wherein one of the
seventh set of pixel data and the eighth set of pixel data is
linearly scaled and the other is nonlinearly scaled; mixing the
mixed image data with the seventh set of pixel data and the eighth
set of pixel data; and outputting a forth signal for displaying the
mixed image data to the display.
4. The method of the claim 2, further comprising: detecting a third
request for changing from the first broadcast content to the second
broadcast content; mixing the image data of the second broadcast
content with the first set of pixel data and the second set of
pixel data in response to detecting the third request; and
outputting a forth signal for displaying the mixed image data to
the display.
5. The method of the claim 1, further comprising: detecting a
second request for changing from the first broadcast content to a
second broadcast content on the GUI; receiving the second broadcast
content in response to detecting the second request; mixing an
image data of the received second broadcast content with the first
set of pixel data and the second set of pixel data; and outputting
a third signal for displaying the mixed image data to the
display.
6. The method of the claim 1, further comprising: detecting a
second request for changing from the first broadcast content to a
second broadcast content on the GUI; identifying whether the second
broadcast content is locked in response to detecting the second
request; forming a fourth set of pixel data for displaying a GUI
for authentication information when the second broadcast content is
locked; forming a fifth set of pixel data and a sixth set of pixel
data using the fourth set of pixel data, wherein one of the fifth
set of pixel data and the sixth set of pixel data is linearly
scaled and the other is nonlinearly scaled; and outputting a third
signal for displaying the fifth set of pixel data and the sixth set
of pixel data to the display.
7. The method of the claim 1, wherein the mixing the image data
comprising: mixing a left-view image data of the image data with
the second set of pixel data and a right-view image data of the
image data with the third set of pixel data.
8. The method of the claim 1, wherein the image data of the first
broadcast content is one of 2 dimensional image and 3 dimensional
image.
9. An electronic device comprising: a formatter configured to
output a first signal for displaying an image data of a first
broadcast content to a display; a controller configured to detect a
first request for providing broadcast information, form a first set
of pixel data for displaying a Graphical User interface (GUI)
providing the broadcast information in response to detecting the
first request, and form a second set of pixel data and a third set
of pixel data using the first set of pixel data, wherein one of the
second set of pixel data and the third set of pixel data is
linearly scaled and the other is nonlinearly scaled; and a mixer
configured to mix the image data with the second set of pixel data
and the third set of pixel data, wherein the formatter outputs a
second signal for displaying the mixed image data to the
display.
10. The electronic device of the claim 9, wherein the controller
detects a second request for displaying a second broadcast content
on the GUI, receives the second broadcast content in response to
detecting the second request, and forms a fourth set of pixel data
and a fifth set of pixel data using an image data of the received
second broadcast content, wherein one of the fourth set of pixel
data and the fifth set of pixel data is linearly scaled and the
other is nonlinearly scaled, the mixer mixes the mixed image data
with the fourth set of pixel data and the fifth set of pixel data,
and the formatter outputs a third signal for displaying the mixed
image data to the display.
11. The electronic device of the claim 10, wherein the controller
detects a third request for providing information about the second
broadcast content, forms a sixth set of pixel data for displaying a
GUI providing the information in response to detecting the third
request, and forms a seventh set of pixel data and a eighth set of
pixel data using the sixth set of pixel data, wherein one of the
seventh set of pixel data and the eighth set of pixel data is
linearly scaled and the other is nonlinearly scaled, the mixer
mixes the mixed image data with the seventh set of pixel data and
the eighth set of pixel data, and the formatter outputs a forth
signal for displaying the mixed image data to the display.
12. The electronic device of the claim 10, wherein the controller
detects a third request for changing from the first broadcast
content to the second broadcast content, the mixer mixed the image
data of the second broadcast content with the first set of pixel
data and the second set of pixel data in response to detecting the
third request, and the formatter outputs a forth signal for
displaying the mixed image data to the display.
13. The electronic device of the claim 9, wherein the controller
detects a second request for changing from the first broadcast
content to a second broadcast content on the GUI, and controls to
receive the second broadcast content in response to detecting the
second request, the mixer mixes an image data of the received
second broadcast content with the first set of pixel data and the
second set of pixel data, and the formatter outputs a third signal
for displaying the mixed image data to the display.
14. The electronic device of the claim 9, wherein the controller
detects a second request for changing from the first broadcast
content to a second broadcast content on the GUI, identifies
whether the second broadcast content is locked in response to
detecting the second request, forms a fourth set of pixel data for
displaying a GUI for authentication information when the second
broadcast content is locked, and forms a fifth set of pixel data
and a sixth set of pixel data using the fourth set of pixel data,
wherein one of the fifth set of pixel data and the sixth set of
pixel data is linearly scaled and the other is nonlinearly scaled,
and the formatter outputs a third signal for displaying the fifth
set of pixel data and the sixth set of pixel data to the
display.
15. The electronic device of the claim 9, wherein the mixer mixes a
left-view image data of the image data with the second set of pixel
data and a right-view image data of the image data with the third
set of pixel data.
16. A method for providing a Graphical User Interface, comprising:
outputting a first signal for displaying an image data of a first
broadcast content to a display; detecting a first request for
providing broadcast information; forming a first set of pixel data
for displaying a Graphical User interface (GUI) providing the
broadcast information in response to detecting the first request;
forming a second set of pixel data and a third set of pixel data
using the image data, wherein one of the second set of pixel data
and the third set of pixel data is linearly scaled and the other is
nonlinearly scaled; mixing the first set of pixel data with the
second set of pixel data and the third set of pixel data; and
outputting a second signal for displaying the mixed first set of
pixel data to the display.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: detecting a second
request for displaying the image data in full display; and
outputting a third signal for displaying the image data in response
to detecting the second request.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the second request is a signal
selecting an area displaying the image data.
19. The method of claim 16. further comprising: detecting a second
request for changing from the first broadcast content to a second
broadcast content on the GUI; receiving the second broadcast
content in response to detecting the second request; forming a
fourth set of pixel data and a fifth set of pixel data using an
image data of the received second broadcast content, wherein one of
the fourth set of pixel data and the fifth set of pixel data is
linearly scaled and the other is nonlinearly scaled; mixing the
formed first set of pixel data with the fourth set of pixel data
and the fifth set of pixel data; and outputting a third signal for
displaying the mixed first set of pixel data to the display.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: detecting a second
request for providing information about the first broadcast content
on the GUI; forming a fourth set of pixel data for displaying a GUI
providing the information in response to detecting the second
request; mixing the fourth set of pixel data with the second set of
pixel data and the third set of pixel data; and outputting a forth
signal for displaying the mixed fourth set of pixel data to the
display.
Description
[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(a), this application claims
the benefit of the Korean Patent Application No. 10-2010-0011236,
filed on Feb. 5, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference as
if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a
method for providing a graphical user interface (GUI), and more
particularly, to an electronic device for providing a GUI for
displaying broadcast information and a method for providing the
GUI.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] The current trend of a broadcasting environment is rapidly
changing from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting. With
this trend, contents for digital broadcasting have been more
increased than those for existing analog broadcasting, and their
types have been diversified. In particular, attention to
3-dimensional (3D) contents, which provide reality as compared with
2-dimensional (2D) contents, has been increased recently, and thus
many 3D contents have been manufactured. In this respect, many
studies have been made to allow users to view such 3D contents
through a digital broadcast receiver at home.
[0006] However, a digital broadcast receiver according to the
related art is configured in such a manner that when a user
requests additional information while viewing a broadcast program
or channel, an existing OSD is deleted to display additional
information or additional OSD is displayed on the existing OSD. In
this case, a problem occurs in that a video previously viewed by
the user is covered by the additional OSD to cause inconvenience in
viewing the video.
[0007] For example, in the digital broadcast receiver according to
the related art, if a user requests a channel edit, a channel edit
user interface (UI) is displayed on the entire screen, whereby the
user cannot view the current video. If the user requests brief
information, a brief information UI is displayed. In this case, in
case of many kinds of brief information, the current video is
covered by many kinds of brief information. Also, in the digital
broadcast receiver according to the related art, a problem occurs
in that the user should perform several steps to view a recording
list. Also, a problem occurs in that the user cannot view the
current video well if an EPG is displayed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an
electronic device and a method for providing Graphical User
Interface (GUI) for broadcast information that substantially
obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages
of the related art.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a method
for providing a GUI for broadcast information based on a request of
a user, in which an overlap zone between the GUI and a video screen
previously viewed by the user is minimized to allow a viewer to
operate or navigate the GUI while viewing broadcasting.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
electronic device and a method for providing a GUI as above.
[0011] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0012] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, a method for providing a Graphical User
Interface (GUI) comprises outputting a first signal for displaying
an image data of a first broadcast content to a display, detecting
a first request for providing broadcast information, forming a
first set of pixel data for displaying a Graphical User interface
(GUI) providing the broadcast information in response to detecting
the first request, forming a second set of pixel data and a third
set of pixel data using the first set of pixel data, wherein one of
the second set of pixel data and the third set of pixel data is
linearly scaled and the other is nonlinearly scaled, mixing the
image data with the second set of pixel data and the third set of
pixel data, and, outputting a second signal for displaying the
mixed image data to the display.
[0013] The method further comprises detecting a second request for
displaying a second broadcast content on the GUI, receiving the
second broadcast content in response to detecting the second
request, forming a fourth set of pixel data and a fifth set of
pixel data using an image data of the received second broadcast
content, wherein one of the fourth set of pixel data and the fifth
set of pixel data is linearly scaled and the other is nonlinearly
scaled, mixing the mixed image data with the fourth set of pixel
data and the fifth set of pixel data, and, outputting a third
signal for displaying the mixed image data to the display. Herein,
the image data of the first broadcast content is one of 2
dimensional image and 3 dimensional image.
[0014] The method further comprises detecting a third request for
providing information about the second broadcast content, forming a
sixth set of pixel data for displaying a GUI providing the
information in response to detecting the third request, forming a
seventh set of pixel data and a eight set of pixel data using the
sixth set of pixel data, wherein one of the seventh set of pixel
data and the eight set of pixel data is linearly scaled and the
other is nonlinearly scaled, mixing the mixed image data with the
seventh set of pixel data and the eighth set of pixel data, and
outputting a forth signal for displaying the mixed image data to
the display.
[0015] The method further comprises detecting a third request for
changing from the first broadcast content to the second broadcast
content, mixing the image data of the second broadcast content with
the first set of pixel data and the second set of pixel data in
response to detecting the third request, and, outputting a forth
signal for displaying the mixed image data to the display.
[0016] The method further comprises detecting a second request for
changing from the first broadcast content to a second broadcast
content on the GUI, receiving the second broadcast content in
response to detecting the second request, mixing an image data of
the received second broadcast content with the first set of pixel
data and the second set of pixel data, and outputting a third
signal for displaying the mixed image data to the display.
[0017] The method further comprises detecting a second request for
changing from the first broadcast content to a second broadcast
content on the GUI, identifying whether the second broadcast
content is locked in response to detecting the second request,
forming a fourth set of pixel data for displaying a GUI for
authentication information when the second broadcast content is
locked, forming a fifth set of pixel data and a sixth set of pixel
data using the fourth set of pixel data, wherein one of the fifth
set of pixel data and the sixth set of pixel data is linearly
scaled and the other is nonlinearly scaled, and outputting a third
signal for displaying the fifth set of pixel data and the sixth set
of pixel data to the display.
[0018] The mixing the image data comprises mixing a left-view image
data of the image data with the second set of pixel data and a
right-view image data of the image data with the third set of pixel
data.
[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, an electronic
device comprises a formatter configured to output a first signal
for displaying an image data of a first broadcast content to a
display, a controller configured to detect a first request for
providing broadcast information, form a first set of pixel data for
displaying a Graphical User interface (GUI) providing the broadcast
information in response to detecting the first request, and form a
second set of pixel data and a third set of pixel data using the
first set of pixel data, wherein one of the second set of pixel
data and the third set of pixel data is linearly scaled and the
other is nonlinearly scaled, and a mixer configured to mix the
image data with the second set of pixel data and the third set of
pixel data, wherein the formatter outputs a second signal for
displaying the mixed image data to the display.
[0020] The controller detects a second request for displaying a
second broadcast content on the GUI, receives the second broadcast
content in response to detecting the second request, and forms a
fourth set of pixel data and a fifth set of pixel data using an
image data of the received second broadcast content, wherein one of
the fourth set of pixel data and the fifth set of pixel data is
linearly scaled and the other is nonlinearly scaled, the mixer
mixes the mixed image data with the fourth set of pixel data and
the fifth set of pixel data, and the formatter outputs a third
signal for displaying the mixed image data to the display.
[0021] The controller detects a third request for providing
information about the second broadcast content, forms a sixth set
of pixel data for displaying a GUI providing the information in
response to detecting the third request, and forms a seventh set of
pixel data and a eight set of pixel data using the sixth set of
pixel data, wherein one of the seventh set of pixel data and the
eight set of pixel data is linearly scaled and the other is
nonlinearly scaled, the mixer mixes the mixed image data with the
seventh set of pixel data and the eighth set of pixel data, and the
formatter outputs a forth signal for displaying the mixed image
data to the display.
[0022] The controller detects a third request for changing from the
first broadcast content to the second broadcast content, the mixer
mixed the image data of the second broadcast content with the first
set of pixel data and the second set of pixel data in response to
detecting the third request, and the formatter outputs a forth
signal for displaying the mixed image data to the display.
[0023] The controller detects a second request for changing from
the first broadcast content to a second broadcast content on the
GUI, and controls to receive the second broadcast content in
response to detecting the second request, the mixer mixes an image
data of the received second broadcast content with the first set of
pixel data and the second set of pixel data, and the formatter
outputs a third signal for displaying the mixed image data to the
display.
[0024] The controller detects a second request for changing from
the first broadcast content to a second broadcast content on the
GUI, identifies whether the second broadcast content is locked in
response to detecting the second request, forms a fourth set of
pixel data for displaying a GUI for authentication information when
the second broadcast content is locked, and forms a fifth set of
pixel data and a sixth set of pixel data using the fourth set of
pixel data, wherein one of the fifth set of pixel data and the
sixth set of pixel data is linearly scaled and the other is
nonlinearly scaled, and the formatter outputs a third signal for
displaying the fifth set of pixel data and the sixth set of pixel
data to the display.
[0025] The mixer mixes a left-view image data of the image data
with the second set of pixel data and a right-view image data of
the image data with the third set of pixel data.
[0026] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for
providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) comprises outputting a
first signal for displaying an image data of a first broadcast
content to a display, detecting a first request for providing
broadcast information, forming a first set of pixel data for
displaying a Graphical User interface (GUI) providing the broadcast
information in response to detecting the first request, forming a
second set of pixel data and a third set of pixel data using the
image data, wherein one of the second set of pixel data and the
third set of pixel data is linearly scaled and the other is
nonlinearly scaled, mixing the first set of pixel data with the
second set of pixel data and the third set of pixel data, and
outputting a second signal for displaying the mixed first set of
pixel data to the display.
[0027] The method further comprises detecting a second request for
displaying the image data in full display, and outputting a third
signal for displaying the image data in response with the image
data. Herein, the second request is a signal selecting an area
displaying the image data.
[0028] The method further comprises detecting a second request for
changing from the first broadcast content to a second broadcast
content on the GUI, receiving the second broadcast content in
response to detecting the second request, forming a fourth set of
pixel data and a fifth set of pixel data using an image data of the
received second broadcast content, wherein one of the fourth set of
pixel data and the fifth set of pixel data is linearly scaled and
the other is nonlinearly scaled, mixing the formed first set of
pixel data with the fourth set of pixel data and the fifth set of
pixel data, and outputting a third signal for displaying the mixed
first set of pixel data to the display.
[0029] The method further comprises detecting a second request for
providing information about the first broadcast content on the GUI,
forming a fourth set of pixel data for displaying a GUI providing
the information in response to detecting the second request, mixing
the fourth set of pixel data with the second set of pixel data and
the third set of pixel data and outputting a forth signal for
displaying the mixed fourth set of pixel data to the display.
[0030] According to the present invention, the user can control
broadcast information while viewing broadcasting.
[0031] In addition, the GUI for broadcast information based on a
request of the user is configured in three-dimension to increase
recognition of the corresponding GUI and seek convenience in
use.
[0032] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the present
invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device
configured in accordance with the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are flowcharts illustrating basic concept
of a method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating perspective based on an
interval or time difference (hereinafter, referred to as
"interval") between left image data and right image data;
[0037] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are a diagram illustrating an example of
a method for implementing a 3D GUI in accordance with the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are a diagram illustrating a first
embodiment of a method for providing a GUI in accordance with the
present invention;
[0039] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a
method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third embodiment of a
method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of a
method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of a
method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention;
[0043] FIG. 11A to 11C are a diagram illustrating a sixth
embodiment of a method for providing a GUI in accordance with the
present invention;
[0044] FIG. 12A to 12D are a diagram illustrating a seventh
embodiment of a method for providing a GUI in accordance with the
present invention;
[0045] FIG. 13A to 13C are a diagram illustrating an eighth
embodiment of a method for providing a GUI in accordance with the
present invention;
[0046] FIG. 14A to 14C are a diagram illustrating a ninth
embodiment of a method for providing a GUI in accordance with the
present invention;
[0047] FIG. 15 to FIG. 18 are diagrams illustrating tenth to
thirteenth embodiments of a method for providing a GUI in
accordance with the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 19A to 19C are a diagram illustrating a fourteenth
embodiment of a method for providing a GUI in accordance with the
present invention;
[0049] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a
method for scaling image data; and
[0050] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a
method for scaling image data.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0051] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0052] In addition, although the terms used in the present
invention are selected from generally known and used terms, some of
the terms mentioned in the description of the present invention
have been selected by the applicant at his or her discretion, the
detailed meanings of which are described in relevant parts of the
description herein. Furthermore, it is required that the present
invention is understood, not simply by the actual terms used but by
the meanings of each term lying within.
[0053] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a
method for providing a graphical user interface (GUI). Hereinafter,
the electronic device and the method for providing a GUI will be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0054] The electronic device according to the present invention
configures a GUI that includes broadcast information in accordance
with a request of a user, and provides the information based on the
request of the user by outputting the configured GUI to a
predetermined zone of a screen.
[0055] In a digital broadcast receiver according to the related
art, a GUI for broadcast information is provided in such a manner
that an OSD is displayed on a screen where video being viewed by
the user is being output. In this case, a problem occurs in that
the user cannot view the video well due to the broadcast
information.
[0056] In order to solve such a problem, the present invention is
intended to an electronic device and a method for providing a GUI,
in which an overlap zone between a video previously viewed by a
user and a GUI is minimized to allow the user to control broadcast
information while viewing the video.
[0057] Hereinafter, for understanding of technical spirits of the
present invention and convenience of description, the electronic
device can provide a GUI having 3-dimension (3D) video or image, or
3D type. In this case, corresponding information in respect of the
GUI can be stored in the electronic device. Alternatively, the
corresponding information may be provided on a screen of the
electronic device through access of either an external server
connected through a network or manufacturer's home page of each
product.
[0058] Also, in this specification, although various types of the
GUI are provided through the electronic device in accordance with
the request of the user, for convenience of description, a use
scenario of a specific GUI will be described exemplarily.
Hereinafter, electronic program guide (EPG), channel edit GUI, and
brief information GUI will be described as examples of the GUI.
However, it will be apparent that other GUIs provided through the
electronic device can be applied to the GUI according to the
present invention.
[0059] [Electronic Device]
[0060] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device
configured in accordance with the present invention.
[0061] In reference to FIG. 1, an electronic device according to
this embodiment of the present invention includes a tuner 101, a
demodulator 102, a demultiplexer 103 (Demux), a signaling
information processor 104, an application controller 105, a storage
108, an external input receiver 109, a decoder/scaler 110, a
controller 115, mixer 118, a formatter 119 and a display 120. Here,
the electronic device 100 may be a personal computer system such as
a desktop, laptop, tablet and handheld computer. The electronic
deice 100 may be a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, smart
phone, digital broadcasting terminal, Personal Digital Assistants
(PDA), Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), navigation and the like or
a fixed-type electric appliance such as a digital TV and the
like.
[0062] The electronic device 100 may a different configuration,
rather than the configuration shown in FIG. 1. For example, the
electronic device 100 may receive packets received from a network
and it may further include a network interface configured to
transmit the packets. In other words, the electronic device 100
receive IP packets which transmits audio/video data, signaling
information and data configured to display GUI, from a service
provider via the network interface. For example, the signaling
information may be Program Specific Information/Program and System
Information Protocol (PSI/PSIP) and Digital Video
Broadcasting-service Information (DVB-SI). Also, the electronic
device 100 may be embodied as set-top box with no display 120. In
this case, the electronic device 100 may output a control signal to
display images to an independent display device 120.
[0063] The tuner 101 tunes a channel according to control of a
channel manager 106 and it receives a digital broadcasting
signal.
[0064] The demodulator 102 demodulates the broadcasting signal
according to demodulation method corresponding to a modulation
method of the broadcasting signal.
[0065] The demultiplexer 103 demultiplexes audio/video data and
signaling information from the demodulated broadcasting signal.
Here, the demultiplexing may be implemented via filtering of Packet
Identifier (PID). The demultiplexer 103 outputs the demultiplexed
audio data/video data to the decoder/scaler 110 and the
demultiplexed signaling information to the signaling information
processor 104.
[0066] The signaling information processor 104 processes the
demultiplexed signaling information and it outputs the processed
information to the application controller 105, the controller 115
and the mixer 118. Here, the signaling information processor may
include a database (not shown) storing the processed signaling
information therein. The signaling information may include type
information configured to represent whether the video data of the
broadcasting signal is a 2D image o 3D image. Because of that, the
signaling information processor 104 determines whether the received
video data from the type information is a 3D image and it transmits
the result of the determination to the controller 115 or the type
information to the controller 115 to allow the controller 115 to
determine that. If there is no type information in the signaling
information, the signaling information processor 104 may report
only the result to the controller 115.
[0067] The application controller 105 includes a channel manager
106 and a channel map 107. The channel manager 106 forms and
manages the channel map 107 based on signaling information, and
controls channel switching based on the channel map 107 in
accordance with the input of the user.
[0068] The decoder/scaler 110 includes a video decoder 111, an
audio decoder 112, a scaler 114 and a video processor 114.
[0069] The video/audio decoders 111 and 112 decode the
demultiplexed video/audio data.
[0070] The scaler 1113 scales the video/audio data processed by the
video/audio decoders 111 and 112 into signals sized properly with
respect to output format.
[0071] The video processor 114 video-signal-processes the video
data decoded by the video decoder 111 or determines a type of the
input data according to the control signal of the controller 115.
The video processor 114 may determine a type of video data if no
type information exists in the above signaling information or if it
cannot determine any type of the input video data from the type
information on its own.
[0072] The controller 115 controls the decoder/scaler 110 to
process corresponding video data properly based on the type of the
video data determined by the video processor 114 or the type
information inputted by the signaling information processor 104.
The controller 115 may access the stored OSD data or GUI data and
it may configurate GUI. Alternatively, the controller 115 may use
the OSD data or GUI data transmitted by the application controller
105. Rather than that, the controller 115 may perform control for
an overall system.
[0073] The application controller 105 senses user action. In this
case, examples of the user action include selection of a physical
button of the electronic device or the remote controller, action of
a predetermined gesture or selection of a soft button on a touch
screen display, action of a predetermined gesture recognized from a
video taken by the image pickup device, and action of predetermined
utterance recognized by voice recognition. The external input
receiver 109 can receive a signal of user action corresponding to
selection of a physical button of the remote controller, through
the remote controller. In this case, an example of user action of
the key input includes a GUI request for providing broadcast
information. If the GUI request for providing broadcast information
is received, the application controller 105 transmits the GUI
request to the controller 115 or directly responds to the GUI
request to configure the GUI for providing broadcast information.
In this case, the application controller 105 may further include a
data generator (not shown) for configuring the GUI. Also, the data
generator may be configured as a separate module separately from
the application controller and may generate data related to GUI
configuration under the control of the application controller
105.
[0074] The application controller 105 can access data for
displaying graphic of the GUI, from the storage unit 108, and can
control the display 120 to display the accessed data through the
display 120. Also, the application controller 105 can change the
accessed data based on broadcast information, size information,
depth information and location information. In this case, the
application controller 105 can collect broadcast information from
signaling information. Also, the size information indicates a size
of the GUI, the depth information indicates a depth value of a
stereoscopic image, and the location information indicates a
location where the GUI will be displayed on the screen. The size
information, the depth information and the location information can
be set by the user, the application controller 105, or the
controller 115. The application controller 105 will be described in
more detail in the description of use scenario of each GUI, and
thus its detailed description will be omitted at this time. Also,
according to the present invention, the aforementioned controller
115 may serve as the application controller 105.
[0075] The storage unit 108 can previously store GUI data for
providing GUI for broadcast information, which will be provided
from the application controller 105 or the data generator in
response to user action. Also, the storage unit 108 can store other
broadcast information related to broadcasting reception.
[0076] The mixer 118 mixes and outputs the input of the signaling
information processor 104, the decoder/scaler 110 and the
application controller 105. For example, the mixer 118 mixes the
GUI data with the received video data and it outputs the mixed
data. The video data mixed with the GUI data displays an image
having a GUI marked thereon.
[0077] The formatter 119 configurates the output of the mixer 118
to correspond to output format of a module. Here, formatter 119 may
bypass a 2D image and it may process a 3D image in 3D format
corresponding to format of the 3D image or an output frequency of
the display according to the control of the controller 115 or the
application controller 105, for example.
[0078] The display 120 displays contents and GUI and the like.
[0079] Related to the present invention, a method for representing
a 3D image may be categorized into a glass-wearing type and a
non-glass type. The glass-wearing type may be categorized into a
passive type and an active type. The passive type uses a polarizing
filter to divide an image into a left image and a right image. A
type of wearing color glasses having a blue and a red for both
eyes, respectively, is corresponding to the passive type.
[0080] According to the active type, a liquid crystal shutter is
used to distinguish a left from right eye and the left eye and the
right eye are shut sequentially in time, to distinguish left images
from right images. In other words, the active type repeats the
divided screens periodically and the user views them, wearing the
glasses having an electronic shutter installed therein, which is
synchronized in the period to operate. The active type may be
called as `time split type` or `shuttered glass type`. The
non-glass-wearing type may include a lenticular type and a parallax
barrier type. In the lenticular type, a lenticular lens plate
having cylindrical lens arrays arranged thereon vertically is
installed in front of an image panel. In the parallax barrier type,
a barrier layer having periodic slits is provided on an image
panel.
[0081] The present specification embodies a stereoscopic type out
of 3D display types, specifically, an active type out of the
stereoscopic types. Here, this embodiment is described, presenting
shutter-glasses as medium of the active type and the present
invention is not limited thereto. As described later, the present
invention may be applicable to cases of using other mediums.
[0082] The formatter 119 outputs the 3D image data to the display
120 and it generates a synchronization signal (Vsync) related to
the configurated 3D image data for synchronization to be suitable
when viewing the output 3D image data with shutter glass 121. After
that, the formatter 119 outputs the generated synchronization
signal to an IR emitter (not shown) provided in the shutter glasses
to allow the 3D image data to be viewable in the shutter glasses,
with being suitable to the display synchronization.
[0083] The IR emitter receives the generated synchronization signal
from the formatter 119 and it outputs the signal to a light
receiver (not shown) of the shutter glasses 121. The shutter
glasses 121 adjusts a shutter open period according to the
synchronization signal received via the RI emitter (not shown) to
be suitable to the synchronization of the 3D image displayed on the
display 120.
[0084] Hereinafter, for description of a method for providing a GUI
in accordance with the present invention, use scenario of each GUI
will be described exemplarily.
[0085] As described above, in order to provide a GUI that includes
information based on a request of a user, the present invention is
intended that an overlap zone between a video previously viewed by
a user, i.e., broadcast program or channel, and the GUI is
minimized to allow the user to control the GUI while viewing the
video.
[0086] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are flowcharts illustrating basic concept
of a method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 2, if a specific function request of a
user, for example, broadcast information request, is received from
the external input receiver 109 (S201), the electronic device 100
continues to provide the video, which is previously viewed by the
user, from the main screen (S202), collects information
corresponding to the request by identifying the broadcast
information request received in the step 5201, and configures the
GUI for the collected information.
[0088] The electronic device 100 tilts the configured GUI for
broadcast information from the main screen to remove or minimize
the overlap zone with the video currently viewed by the user
(S203).
[0089] Unlike FIG. 2, referring to FIG. 3, if a specific function
request of a user, for example, broadcast information request, is
received from the external input receiver 109 (S301), the
electronic device 100 collects information corresponding to the
request and configures the GUI for broadcast information. The
electronic device 100 provides the configured GUI for broadcast
information to the main screen (S302), and outputs the video
previously viewed by the user to be displayed with tilt (S303).
[0090] According to the basic concept of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the
overlap zone between the GUI and the video previously viewed by the
user is removed or minimized, and if any one of the GUI and the
video previously viewed by the user is arranged on the main screen,
the other one is tilted. This method may be set previously by the
user, or the corresponding GUI for broadcast information may be
provided randomly based on selection of the user or preference of
the corresponding GUI or video in the electronic device 100.
[0091] Hereinafter, use scenario of each GUI according to the
present invention will be described appropriately based on the
methods of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 without limitation to any one of the
methods.
[0092] Also, the user may not view the broadcast screen currently.
Accordingly, this case will be described together.
[0093] Hereinafter, a method for configuring a GUI in 3D in
accordance with the present invention will be described in
brief.
[0094] The electronic device 100 processes the 3D image data by
using a principle of a stereoscopic type. According to the
principle of the stereoscopic type, a single object is photographed
by two cameras located in different positions and right image data
and left image data are generated. Each of the generated right and
left image data is separated and inputted to cross human right and
left eyes at right angles, respectively. After that, the image data
inputted via the human right and left eyes may be combined in a
human brain, to generate a 3D image. The expression of `cross human
right and left eyes at right angles` means that each of the image
data will not cause interference with each other.
[0095] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating perspective based on an
interval or time difference (hereinafter, referred to as
"interval") between left image data and right image data.
[0096] FIG. 4(a) illustrates a location 403 of an image formed by
combination of the both data, when the internal of the right image
data 401 and the left image data 402 is narrow. FIG. 4(b)
illustrates a location 413 of an image formed when the interval of
right image data 411 and left image data 412 is wide.
[0097] In other words, FIGS. 4(a) and (b) shows a level of
perspective between the images formed at difference locations based
on the interval of the right image data and the left image data in
the image signal processing device.
[0098] In reference to FIG. 4(a), when drawing expended lines (R1
and R2) toward a side and another side of the right image data 401
seen by a human right eye and expended lines (L1 and L2) toward a
side and another side of the left image data 402 seen by the human
left eye, the image is formed at the location 403 at which the
expended line (R1) for the right image data crosses the expended
line (L1) for the left image data in a predetermined distance (d1)
apart from the right and left eyes.
[0099] In reference to FIG. 4(b), the image is formed at the
location 213 at which an expended line (R3) for the right image
data crosses an expended line (13) for the left image data in a
predetermined distance (d2) apart from the right and left eyes.
[0100] Here, comparing d1 shown in FIG. 4(a) with d2 shown in FIG.
4(b) which represents the distance to the locations 403 and 413
from the right and left eyes, d1 is farther than d2 from the right
and left eyes. That is, the image of FIG. 4(a) is formed more
distant from the right and left eyes than that of FIG. 4(b).
[0101] This is caused by the interval of the right image data and
the left image data (an east-to-west direction with respect to the
drawings).
[0102] For example, the interval of FIG. 4(a) between the right
image data 401 and the left image data 402 is relatively narrow,
compared with the interval of FIG. 4(b) between the right image 403
and the left image data 404.
[0103] As a result, extracting based on FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), as the
interval between the image data is narrower, the image formed by
the combination of the right and left image data looks formed more
distant from the human eyes.
[0104] According to the above principle described above, the GUI
itself provided as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and (b) may be configured of
3D images or only predetermined items provided in the GUI may be
configured of 3D images (not shown).
[0105] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for
implementing a 3D GUI in accordance with the present invention.
[0106] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) represent GUI including a plurality of
items as 3D image. In case of FIG. 5(a), an interval between left
image data 501 and right image data 502 composing GUI is narrow. In
case of FIG. 5(b), an interval between left image data 304 and
right image data 505 composing GUI is wide.
[0107] As a result, according to the principle of FIG. 4, an image
(503) is formed distant from the human eyes and the image (503)
looks far in 3D GUI (503 and 506) represented according to the
interval of each image data shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b). An image
(506) is formed close to the human eyes and the image (506) looks
near, in other words, relatively protrusive in 3D GUI 506
represented in FIG. 5(b). The above principle which adjusts the
interval between the left and right image data composing the GUI
may change a predetermined degree of depth enough to achieve a 3D
effect.
[0108] Use Scenario
[0109] Hereinafter, use scenarios for providing various GUIs
(hereinafter, referred to as `broadcast information GUI`) in an
electronic device 100 in accordance with a request of a user will
be described.
[0110] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a
method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention.
[0111] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for providing broadcast
information GUI, i.e., EPG when a user indicates a desired video by
using a remote controller or requests EPG while viewing a current
video 600 as illustrated in FIG. 6(a).
[0112] Referring to FIG. 6(a), one video 600 is output to a main
screen, and data related to data broadcasting are provided on a
lower screen 601 in the form of text.
[0113] In this case, if the user indicates the video by using an
indicator such as a cursor through the remote controller or
requests EPG, as illustrated in FIG. 6(b), the electronic device
100 identifies information on the indication or request of the
user.
[0114] As a result, if the indication or request of the user is
identified as EPG request, the electronic device 100 collects
information for providing EPG and configures the EPG. The
electronic device 100 continues to provide the video previously
viewed by the user through a main path, i.e., screen, and outputs
the configured EPG from the screen by tilting it (right side of
screen in FIG. 6(b)).
[0115] As the EPG is output by tilt, the overlap zone between the
EPG and the video previously viewed by the user can be
minimized.
[0116] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 6(b), the EPG is configured
based on information that includes the video currently viewed by
the user, and the location of the corresponding video on the EPG
may be notified through an indicator such as an arrow or may be
provided differentially. In this case, `differentially` means the
location of the corresponding video is provided by giving more
depth or different color to the corresponding zone, for
example.
[0117] Accordingly, the user can operate a GUI for desired
information provided in a tilt type while viewing the view. In this
case, the video currently viewed by the user and the EPG may be
provided to oppose each other. Namely, the EPG may be output to the
screen and the video may be provided in a tilt type.
[0118] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a
method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention.
[0119] FIG. 7 illustrates a method for providing a GUI for channel
edit based on a request of a user while viewing a video.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 7, the electronic device 100 may provide a
video on a screen 700 and may provide a GUI for channel information
on one zone 710 (for example, left upper end of screen) of the
screen. For example, the GUI for channel information can be output
for a predetermined time if the user requests channel information
on the video currently viewed by himself (herself) or channel
switching.
[0121] At this time, if the user clicks or indicates the channel
information 710 through the remote controller, or requests a
channel edit request, the electronic device 100 collects channel
edit GUI information by identifying the indication or request, and
configures a channel edit GUI 720.
[0122] The electronic device 100 can output the channel edit GUI
720 on the screen in a tilt type to remove or minimize the overlap
zone with the video currently viewed by the user, as illustrated in
FIG. 7.
[0123] The channel edit GUI 720 includes a channel type, i.e., a
type of media for providing a corresponding channel, such as
terrestrial, satellite, and cable, in a first zone 730, and
includes a plurality of channels, which are provided through the
media of the first zone 730, in a second zone 740. At this time,
among the channels included in the second zone, the same channel
745 as the current channel can be expressed differentially from the
other channels in such a manner that channel information is
notified through an indicator such as an arrow, or depth or
different color is given to the channel information.
[0124] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third embodiment of a
method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention.
[0125] FIG. 8 illustrates a method for providing brief information
GUI in accordance with a request of a user in respect of a video
currently viewed by the user.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device 100 outputs one
video 800 on the screen, and provides data broadcast information
810 at a lower portion of the screen in the form of text. In this
case, if a brief information request related to the video currently
viewed by the user is received from the user through the remote
controller, the electronic device 100 collects information on brief
information related to the output video by identifying the received
request and configures a brief information GUI 820.
[0127] At this time, the electronic device 100 can provide the
brief information GUI 820 on the lower part of the screen in the
form of tilt as illustrated in FIG. 8. Accordingly, according to
the present invention, the electronic device 100 can provide brief
information based on the request of the user so as not to overlap
with the video currently viewed by the user or so as to minimize an
overlap zone. This may equally be applied to more brief
information. The brief information GUI 820 includes channel
information and broadcasting station information in a first zone
830 and time information of a corresponding video and other brief
information in a second zone 840.
[0128] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of a
method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention.
[0129] FIG. 9 relates to a method for providing a sub menu when the
sub menu is selected on a GUI illustrated in FIG. 6, or a GUI
provided in accordance with the related art.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 9, the electronic device 100 provides one
video 900 on the screen. If the user indicates the video 900 or EPG
request is received, the electronic device 100 collects EPG
information by identifying the indication or request and configures
EPG 910. In this way, the EPG information can be provided in the
same manner as FIG. 6.
[0131] Afterwards, if information 915 on other video not the video
viewed by the user on the provided EPG 910 is selected from the
user, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the electronic device 100 can
configure a GUI 920 displaying the video corresponding to the
selected information 915 at a side of the previously provided EPG
910. In this case, the GUI 920 can be more tilted than the EPG
910.
[0132] In addition, if the user requests detailed information on
the corresponding channel, the electronic device 100 configures
channel information GUI 930 by collecting information on the
corresponding video or channel at the side of the provided GUI 920.
This channel information GUI 930 can be tilted differentially from
the other GUI.
[0133] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of a
method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention.
[0134] FIG. 10 relates to a method for providing a GUI for channel
browser.
[0135] Referring to FIG. 10, if the user requests a channel browser
through the remote controller, the electronic device 100 collects
information for channel browsers, configures channel browsers 1000
to 1020, and provides the configured channel browsers as shown.
[0136] According to the present invention, in FIG. 10, the channel
browsers 1000 to 1020 are provided in such a manner that channel
browser screens are not provided on the same plane but tilted
appropriately.
[0137] As the channel browsers are configured as above in
accordance with the present invention, the electronic device 100
can provide a clearer channel-browsed video more greatly. For
example, although three channel browser screens are provided in
FIG. 10, if more channel browser screens should be provided, the
electronic device 100 configures the channel browser screens in the
form of cubic (not shown) to allow the user to access the channel
browsers more easily and simply.
[0138] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a sixth embodiment of a
method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention.
[0139] Referring to FIG. 11, if a channel edit request is received
from the user while the electronic device 100 is providing a video
of a specific channel, the electronic device 10 provides a channel
edit GUI in accordance with the request and also provides a video
on the channel selected from the user through the channel edit GUI
in the form of background screen or picture in picture (PIP),
whereby convenience in channel edit can be provided.
[0140] The electronic device 100, as illustrated in FIG. 11(a),
provides a video 1100 of a specific channel on the screen. If a
request of a channel edit GUI 1110 is received from the user, the
electronic device 100 collects information on the channel edit GUI
1110 in accordance with the request, configures the channel edit
GUI 1110 and provides the configured channel edit GUI 1110 as
illustrated in FIG. 11(b). In this case, an additional function
item 1120 for control of the channel edit GUI 1110 or button
information for accessing the additional function item 1120 can be
provided at the lower portion of the channel edit GUI 1110 or the
lower screen. Examples of the button information include Delete,
Move, Lock and Stop. Also, broadcast information on channel
information provided to the second zone 1140 on the channel edit
GUI can be displayed in the zone 1120.
[0141] A channel type or media type of the channel edit GUI 1110 is
displayed in the first zone 1130, and channel information based on
each channel type or media type can be provided to the second zone
1140. For example, referring to FIG. 11(b), supposing that the
channel currently viewed by the user is channel no. 6 of DTV
channel, an item 1145 displaying the corresponding channel may have
a color or depth different from that of the other items.
[0142] Although the channel no. 6 is provided in FIG. 11(b),
referring to FIG. 11(c), if a channel no. 7 1150 is selected by the
user, the electronic device 100 may provide a video corresponding
to the selected channel at a side of the previously provided
channel edit GUI 1110 similarly to the aforementioned description,
or may provide the video in the form of background screen or PIP as
illustrated in FIG. 11(c), whereby convenience in edit of the
corresponding channel can be provided to the user.
[0143] Also, although the channel edit GUI 1110 is output on the
screen in FIG. 11(b) and FIG. 11(c), it is displayed to be more
protruded than the screen when it is configured in a 3D type,
whereby the screen where the video currently viewed by the user is
provided may be recognized as background.
[0144] If the user selects a specific item of the channel edit GUI,
detailed information on the corresponding item is provided in the
form of tilt, whereby convenience in edit of the corresponding
channel can be provided to the user.
[0145] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a seventh embodiment of a
method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention.
[0146] FIG. 12 illustrates an operation of the electronic device
100 when the user accesses a locked channel during channel
surfing.
[0147] If the user performs channel surfing through the remote
controller, the electronic device 100 provides a video currently in
service by decoding the video from each of the surfed channels as
illustrated in FIG. 12(a).
[0148] If the user requests channel switching to a locked channel
during channel surfing, the electronic device 100 does not provide
a video provided by a corresponding channel but provides
information for unlocking the locked channel, i.e., a GUI for input
of a password as illustrated in FIG. 12(b). At this time, a
background screen of the GUI for password input, i.e., main screen
will not be provided as illustrated in FIG. 12(b).
[0149] The electronic device 100 determines whether a password,
which is input through the remote controller to identify whether a
user is the one who can legally use the corresponding channel, is
correct.
[0150] As a result, if the input password is correct, the
electronic device 100 provides a broadcast program through a main
screen by tuning the corresponding channel as illustrated in FIG.
12(c), and at the same time configures the GUI for password in the
form of tilt, whereby the GUI for password gradually disappears
from the screen.
[0151] Accordingly, the broadcast program of the changed channel
will be provided finally as illustrated in FIG. 12(d).
[0152] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an eighth embodiment of a
method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention.
[0153] FIG. 13 relates to a method for controlling a location of a
GUI provided in accordance with a request of a user. Hereinafter,
for convenience of description, brief information GUI will
exemplarily be described as the GUI.
[0154] Referring to FIG. 13(a), one video 1300 is provided on the
screen, and brief information GUI 1310 is provided in accordance
with the request of the user.
[0155] The brief information GUI 1310 can be overlapped with a logo
on a video provided through the screen or channel information. For
example, referring to FIG. 13(a), as the brief information GUI 1310
partially covers the logo on a video, the user cannot recognize the
corresponding logo well.
[0156] In the digital broadcast receiver according to the related
art, since the location of each GUI is fixed, when the GUI is
overlapped with other information as described above, the user
cannot view the overlapped information well if the corresponding
GUI is not removed, whereby inconvenience has been caused to the
user.
[0157] In this respect, in the present invention, the location of
the GUI provided as illustrated in FIG. 13(b) and FIG. 13(c) can be
moved to a desired zone or location of the user at the user's
convenience. At this time, the user can move the location of the
GUI by dragging the corresponding information through a pointing
remote controller. Also, if the size of the brief information GUI
1310 is not sufficient, the user can control the size of the brief
information GUI as well as the location of the GUI previously
provided from the electronic device 100 by requesting a control of
the size of the corresponding GUI through the remote
controller.
[0158] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a ninth embodiment of a
method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention.
[0159] FIG. 14 relates to a method for providing a video of a
current channel and a video of next channel when channel browsing
is performed in accordance with a request of a user.
[0160] The electronic device 100, as illustrated in FIG. 14(a),
provides a video 1400 of one channel on the screen. In this case,
if the user requests channel switching to another channel, for
example, next channel, the digital broadcast receiver according to
the related art removes the video 1400 of a previous channel from
the screen and outputs only a video 1410 of the requested
channel.
[0161] However, in the present invention, as illustrated in FIG.
14(b), the video 1400 of the previous channel and the requested
channel 1410 are output to one screen at the same time, and then
provided to the user. In this case, the video 1400 of the previous
channel is provided to, but not limited to, the right side of the
screen, and the video 1410 of the requested channel is provided to,
but not limited to, the left side of the screen. According to the
present invention, the electronic device 100 can provide the video
1400 of the previous channel and the video 1410 of the requested
channel in the form of tilt without providing them by simply
splitting the screen.
[0162] In this case, if the user selects the video 1410 of the
requested channel not the video 1400 of the previous channel, the
video 1410 of the requested channel can be provided to the entire
screen as illustrated in FIG. 14(c).
[0163] Although the screen is split in the form of still to provide
videos of two channels in FIG. 14(b), if the user requests channel
switching in FIG. 14(a), the channel is configured in the form of
tilt as illustrated in FIG. 14(b), whereby the channel is finally
switched from the left side to the right side as illustrated in
FIG. 14(c).
[0164] To this end, the user can drag the corresponding channel by
using either the pointing remote controller or up/down key of a
4-way remote controller. For example, it is supposed that FIG.
14(a) is a broadcast program `A` of a channel 14-2. If the user
drags the channel to the right side through the pointing remote
controller as illustrated in FIG. 14(b), a broadcast program `B` of
a channel 14-3 will be provided as illustrated in FIG. 14(c). Also,
if the user drags the channel to the left side, a broadcast program
`C` of a channel 14-1 may be provided.
[0165] Also, although the videos of two channels are provided in
FIG. 14(b), videos of a plurality of channels may be provided at
different tilt types.
[0166] FIG. 15 to FIG. 18 are diagrams illustrating tenth to
thirteenth embodiments of a method for providing a GUI in
accordance with the present invention.
[0167] FIG. 15 to FIG. 18 illustrate that a broadcast program
currently viewed by the user is split on one screen to provide
broadcast information similarly to FIG. 14. In this case, for
convenience of description, EPG will be described as an example of
the broadcast information.
[0168] The electronic device 100, as illustrated in FIG. 15(a),
provides one video 1500 on the screen. If the user requests EPG
through the remote controller, the electronic device 100 collects
EPG information by identifying the request and configures EPG.
[0169] For example, the electronic device 100 can provide the EPG
1510 as illustrated in FIG. 15(b). In other words, referring to
FIG. 15(b), the EPG 1510 and a video 1500 currently viewed by the
user are configured on one screen in the form of tilt. In FIG.
15(b), the EPG 1510 based on the request of the user is first
displayed on the screen, and the video currently viewed by the user
is configured in the form of tilt. However, although not shown, it
will be apparent that the video currently viewed by the user is
first displayed on the screen and the EPG 1510 is configured in the
form of tilt.
[0170] Since FIG. 16(a) and FIG. 16(b) correspond to FIG. 15(a) and
FIG. 15(b), respectively, their detailed description will be
omitted. In the screen configured as illustrated in FIG. 16(b), if
the user requests detailed information on the video currently
viewed by the user through the EPG, the electronic device 100
provides the requested detailed information.
[0171] Referring to FIG. 16(c), the video 1500 currently viewed by
the user is provided in the form of tilt, and the requested
detailed information is first configured instead of EPG or is
provided on the EPG.
[0172] The user selects a function that can be provided from the
detailed information or a broadcast screen in FIG. 16(c), whereby
the user may return to the screen of FIG. 16(a).
[0173] In FIG. 17 unlike FIG. 15, if the user requests EPG, the
requested EPG 1710 and a GUI for a function associated with the EPG
are provided in the form of tilt. However, it is not required that
the GUI provided in the form of tilt should be the GUI for a
function associated with the previously provided EPG.
[0174] The electronic device 100, as illustrated in FIG. 17(a),
provides one video 1700 on the screen. In this case, if the user
requests EPG through the remote controller, the electronic device
100 identifies the request, configures EPG by collecting EPG
information, and provides the configured EPG on the screen.
[0175] In FIG. 17(b), when the user requests EPG generally in
accordance with the present invention, brief information or
detailed information on a specific program on the EPG, recording,
reserved recording, and time shift are mainly requested.
Considering this, the electronic device provides the EPG to a
predetermined zone of the screen. If the aforementioned request is
received, the electronic device 100 configures a GUI based on the
corresponding request and provides the configured GUI in the form
of tilt.
[0176] In FIG. 18(b) unlike FIG. 17(b), the video 1800 currently
viewed by the user is also provided.
[0177] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 18(b), if there are
several requests of the user on the EPG 1810, GUIs based on the
respective requests may be configured to have different tilts.
[0178] The location of the GUI or the number of GUIs provided on
the screen is not limited to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18. For example,
although the EPG screen is provided at the center, the broadcast
screen 1800 is provided at the left tilt and the detailed
information 1820 is provided at the right tilt in FIG. 18(b), the
present invention is not limited to the example of FIG. 18(b). The
upper and lower portions not the left and right sides may be
tilted, and all of the left and right sides and the upper and lower
portions may be tilted.
[0179] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a fourteenth embodiment of
a method for providing a GUI in accordance with the present
invention.
[0180] FIG. 19 illustrates that a simple video channel list is
provided in accordance with a request of a user.
[0181] The electronic device 100, as illustrated in FIG. 19(a),
provides one video 1900 on the screen. In this case, if the user
requests a simple video channel list through the remote controller,
the electronic device 100 identifies the request, configures a GUI
for the simple video channel list by collecting simple video
channel list information, and provides the configured GUI as
illustrated in FIG. 19(b) and FIG. 19(c).
[0182] Referring to FIG. 19(b), the electronic device 100 provides
a simple video channel list GUI 1920 on the lower screen in the
form of tilt in accordance with the request of the simple video
channel list from the user, and provides information 1910 of the
selected simple video channel on the GUI 1920. For example, the
information 1910 includes information indicating how many simple
video channels are ahead of the selected simple video channel 1915,
an entire viewing item for switching from the channel currently
viewed by the user to the selected simple video channel, and an
exit item for exiting from the corresponding simple video channel
list GUI.
[0183] The electronic device 100 can provide the simple video
channel 1915 surfed or selected by the user from the simple video
channel list 1920 provided as illustrated in FIG. 19(b) by allowing
the selected simple video channel 1915 to be more tilted, giving
depth to the selected simple video channel 1915 so as to be
displayed to be protruded, or enlarging the size of the selected
simple video channel 1915.
[0184] Although the simple video channel list has been described
exemplarily, other video related to the video currently viewed by
the user or broadcast information may be provided as illustrated in
FIG. 19. For example, if the broadcasting program currently viewed
by the user is a series program, other episode of the same series
or information on other series may be provided as described above.
Also, if there are many kinds of information to be provided, the
information may be provided in the form of folder and the selected
folder may be unfolded as shown.
[0185] Alternatively, a reserved recording item or recorded item
may be provided as described above.
[0186] Also, although the broadcast information is provided on the
lower screen in FIG. 19, the present invention is not limited to
the location of FIG. 19. For example, the broadcast information may
be provided in such a manner that it is configured at the right
side of the screen in the form of tilt.
[0187] Alternatively, the folder may be provided on the lower
screen, and information included in the selected folder may be
provided at the side of the screen, as illustrated in FIG. 19.
[0188] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a
method for scaling image data.
[0189] Referring to FIG. 20, the electronic device 100 generates
left image and right image by using a 2D image 2010 to display the
2D image 2010 as a stereoscopic image. The electronic device 100
generates one of left image and right image by linearly scaling the
2D image, and generates the other one by non-linearly scaling the
2D image. The left image 2020 is generated by non-linear scaling in
FIG. 20. Also, the 2D image 2010, the left image 2020 and the right
image 2030 are split into a plurality of split images in a vertical
direction, and the split images of the left image 2020 and the
right image 2030 are generated by scaling of the split images of
the 2D image 2010. In this case, the image data displaying the 2D
image 2010 may be a set of pixel data displaying a GUI, or may be
image data displaying image of broadcast contents.
[0190] The left image 2020 can be generated by non-linear scaling
of a split interval of each of a plurality of split images, so that
a width of the split interval is reduced towards the right side
2012 of the 2D image 2010 from the left side 2011 of the 2D image
2010. In other words, the split intervals G11 or G12 of the
respective split images are scaled differently from each other. For
example, if the 2D image 2010 is split in a horizontal direction,
the left image can be generated by non-linear scaling of the split
interval of each of a plurality of split images, so that the width
of the split interval is reduced towards the lower side from the
upper side. Also, the left image may be generated by non-linear
scaling of the split interval of each of a plurality of split
images, so that the width of the split interval is reduced towards
the upper side from the lower side.
[0191] In order to generate the right image 2030 that forms one
stereoscopic image together with the left image 2020, the
electronic device 100 does not scale the split intervals of the
images differently from each other. In other words, the right image
2030 is generated by linear scaling of the split images, wherein
the intervals G31 or G32 of the split images are maintained
equally.
[0192] The split interval of each of a plurality of split images is
controlled non-linearly, so that the width of the split interval is
reduced towards the right side 2022 of the left image 2020 from the
left side 2021 of the left image 2020. If the split interval of the
right image 2030 is controlled linearly (equally), binocular
disparity between the left image and the right image is reduced
towards the right side 2022 from the left side 2021. As a result,
3-dimensional image effect is generated, and the 2D image 2010 is
displayed on the screen to be tilted.
[0193] In more detail, a stereoscopic image having a great depth
value is displayed in a zone close to the left side 2021, and a
stereoscopic image having a small depth value is displayed in a
zone far away from the left side 2021. Accordingly, the electronic
device according to the present invention can provide stereoscopic
effect of 3D image to the 2D image 2010 and output the 2D image
2010 with tilt to minimize an overlap zone with other image
displayed on the screen.
[0194] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a
method for scaling image data.
[0195] Referring to FIG. 21, the electronic device 100 generates
left image 2120 by non-linearly scaling a split interval of each of
a plurality of split images, so that a width of the split interval
is increased towards the right side 2112 of the 2D image 2110 from
the left side 2111 of the 2D image 2110. In other words, the split
intervals G11 or G12 of the respective split images are scaled
differently from each other.
[0196] In order to generate the right image 2130 that forms one
stereoscopic image together with the left image 2120, the
electronic device 100 does not scale the split intervals
differently from each other. In other words, the right image 2130
is generated by linear scaling of the split images, wherein the
intervals G31 or G32 of the split images are maintained
equally.
[0197] The split interval of each of a plurality of split images is
controlled non-linearly, so that the width of the split interval is
increased towards the right side 2122 of the left image 2120 from
the left side 2121 of the left image 2120. If the split interval of
the right image 2130 is controlled linearly (equally), binocular
disparity between the left image and the right image is increased
towards the right side 2122 from the left side 2121. As a result,
3-dimensional image effect is generated, and the 2D image 2110 is
displayed on the screen to be tilted.
[0198] In more detail, a stereoscopic image having a small depth
value is displayed in a zone close to the left side 2121, and a
stereoscopic image having a great depth value is displayed in a
zone far away from the left side 2121. Accordingly, the electronic
device according to the present invention can provide stereoscopic
effect of 3D image to the 2D image 2110 and output the 2D image
2110 with tilt to minimize an overlap zone with other image
displayed on the screen.
[0199] As described above, according to the present invention, the
user can control broadcast information while viewing broadcasting.
In addition, the GUI for broadcast information based on the request
of the user is configured in three-dimension to increase
recognition of the corresponding GUI and seek convenience in
use.
[0200] The present invention can be implemented in a recording
medium, which can be read by a computer, as a code that can be read
by the computer. The recording medium that can be read by the
computer includes all kinds of recording media in which data that
can be read by the computer are stored. Examples of the recording
medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and
optical data memory. Also, another example of the recording medium
may be implemented in a type of carrier wave such as transmission
through Internet. Also, the recording medium that can be read by
the computer may be distributed in a computer system connected
thereto through the network, whereby codes that can be read by the
computer can be stored and implemented in a distributive mode.
[0201] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the
invention. Thus, the above embodiments are to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the
invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the
appended claims and all change which comes within the equivalent
scope of the invention are included in the scope of the
invention.
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